BREAKING: Former UFC champion BJ Penn has been arrested and charged with third-degree assault in his sixth incident of 2025. Authorities confirm that Penn, 46, was taken into custody without incident at 11:50 a.m. on Tuesday by the Hawaii Police Department. This latest arrest comes after a reported assault at a residence in Hilo, Hawaii, on Monday at 1 a.m.
The alleged victim, a 45-year-old man, accused Penn of punching and kicking him multiple times. He sought medical treatment for injuries sustained during the altercation, raising serious concerns about the ongoing legal issues surrounding the former athlete. After posting $1,000 bail, Penn is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on the assault charge on December 2, 2025.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern for Penn, whose legal troubles have escalated dramatically this year. Last month, a judge ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation, which he is set to address in court in January. The former UFC lightweight champion has publicly expressed distressing beliefs, claiming that “imposters” have replaced members of his family, leading to a protection order that his mother, Lorraine Shin, sought against him earlier this year due to allegations of domestic abuse.
Earlier this year, Penn requested the Hilo Police Department to investigate alleged murders within his family, insisting that “fake frauds” were attempting to steal from them. These revelations have sparked widespread concern about his mental well-being and stability.
Penn’s career, which ended in 2019, was marred by a dismal record of seven consecutive losses from 2011 to 2019, including three knockout defeats. As the situation develops, the public and fans are left questioning the future of a once-celebrated sports figure now embroiled in serious legal challenges.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
